wreckster

9 hours ago, njanvilman said:

HB Serial # 104906 puts the anvil birth in 1905, according to "Anvils in America" by Richard Postman.

 

Many thanks for the trained eyes njanvilman.  

Thanks all.  I’ve learned more about anvils in the last few hours than I’ve ever known.  For sure a Hay Budden and the dimensions match the 250# model from their catalog.  The rebound is definitely in the 75% range and boy will she ring.  I have it setting unconstrained on a poplar stump in my garage,  Not really where or how it should be I guess.  Suggestions welcomed.

Unfortunately, it does have a few weld beads on the face from obvious equipment repairs while on the farm. I will give it a good wire brushing, and coat it with some oil. The tip of the horn had some cracked, “mushroomed” metal from blunt ended abuse that I gently removed with a file. I’m sure thats probably not proper but I didn’t want it chipping off in use.

Here’s a few photos of the number.  I tried to cast shadows with a light.  The first number might be a “7” which puts it in the 1902 +/- range.  Anyone see something different?

This anvil has been in the family for about 50 years and stories about its previous ownership go back another 20-30 years.  I know nothing about it other than it was used as a general shop/farm anvil to hammer implements, weld, etc.  It's been pretty well used and abused judging from all the marks.  I tried to get a decent photo of the markings using a light but there's little to go on.  I figured someone here might recognize bits and pieces so any help is much appreciated.  The bottom arced words could be "Brooklyn NY" but that's a wild guess.

The approximate dimensions as I see them:

overall length - 32"

height - 12"

width - 4.75"

base:  11"w x 12"L.

Don't have a clue on the weight but my brother-in-law and me picked it up and we guesstimated about ~250-300lbs.  I will definitely do some research on this site.  I'd like to know more about  ring characteristics. 

Joining to learn a little about iron and also about a recently acquired anvil.  Grew up on a farm, spent time in fab/weld shop that built farm machinery, and ssthought one day I might like to take up 'smithing.  I've always wanted to visit the Blacksmith festival up in NC but haven't made it yet.